Why We Get Bored | Erin Westgate from Behavioral Grooves Podcast

Why We Get Bored | Erin Westgate

1 hour 20 minutes Posted Jan 19, 2026 at 6:00 am.

] Intro and Speed Round with Erin Westgate

] Do we think for pleasure?

] Why men would rather shock themselves than be bored

] The MAC model

] Is boredom useful?

] Enjoyable vs. interesting experiences

] Can a boring life still be a good life?

] Boredom and burnout at work

] Is boredom good or bad?

] Designing better environments for bored people

] Desert island music

] Grooving Session: Boredom and meaning in life

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Show notes

Boredom feels unpleasant, but that may be the point. Psychologist Dr. Erin Westgate joins us to explain why boredom is a signal rather than a flaw, how meaning and attention shape it, and what it can teach us about work, burnout, and living a psychologically rich life.

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About Erin

A Psychologically Rich Life: Beyond Happiness and Meaning

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Musical Links

Patty Scialfa - Rumble Doll

Beethoven - Symphony No.7 in A major op.92 - II, Allegretto

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